Ukrainian volunteer fighters use a Russian tank nicknamed 'Bunny' against Russian forces
Business InsiderDec 22, 2021
Day 80 Roundup: Russia Pushed Back Further From Kharkiv, US Politicians Visit Kyiv
Image copyright: The New York Times
The Facts
Ukrainian forces are reportedly making gains pushing back Russian troops around Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city. A counteroffensive was continued on Sat., according to Ukrainian military officials, with the aim to cut off Russian access to a key staging area there. Russian forces are reportedly retreating.
Ukraine has recently "de-occupied" six more areas and is striking at the heart of Russian aviation, according to Pres. Zelenskyy. Ukraine reportedly downed its 200th Russian military plane on Sat., which the Ukrainian president described as the "worst aviation losses in decades" for Russia.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
This invasion is an egregious violation of international law. Putin's ultimate aim is to restore the Soviet empire, even if it takes massive bloodshed and false pretexts such as calling the 2014 Ukrainian revolution after a fraudulent election a "coup". This unprovoked attack is the latest chapter in Putin's Orwellian attempt to rewrite history.
Pro-Russia narrative
NATO and the US have ignored Russia's security concerns by breaking their promise not to expand eastward in return for German reunification. These concerns are legitimate and taking them seriously would have avoided the Ukraine tragedy.